SOCIETY AND COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
WHERE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE AN IMPACT OU has an opportunity to capitalize upon its expertise and build on existing strengths to promote societal well-being by focusing on three key research areas: Technology, Society, and Human Flourishing; Native Nations, Sovereignty, and Partnerships; and Equity and Opportunity. Existing and emerging research at OU will enhance knowledge about the beneficial and harmful impacts of technology on society, including artificial intelligence and the impact of technological adaptation, and on human behavior across health, education, and work-family life. OU’s institutional resources and collections, faculty capabilities, and geographic location in the state provide an unmatched opportunity for community-engaged, collaborative partnerships that place the sovereignty of Native nations and the cultural continuance of Native peoples at the center of academic research and forms a key area for OU’s growth and national distinction. Oklahoma has a population that suffers from many significant challenges, including very poor outcomes in education and health and high levels of incarceration, especially among women. OU is uniquely positioned to conduct meaningful transdisciplinary research to address issues related to equity and opportunity at the state and national levels by expanding existing expertise in early childhood, carceral studies, and health disparities across all three OU campuses. VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AND PARTNERSHIPS
Enhancing Knowledge at the Intersections of Technology and Society Technology profoundly influences the human experience, offering potential to advance the flourishing of individuals and communities. Medical technologies and information systems extend health care to people lacking access. Learning technologies support both remote and face-to-face education. E-commerce and business analytics inform the way we work today and in the future. Communication technologies bring new levels and types of social and cultural connections. Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are influencing work, public policy, and everyday life. These technologies also introduce challenges such as cybersecurity threats, workforce changes, 23
